SOLUTION: An electric pole is 15m high. From a point Q, due south of the pole, the angle of elevation of the pole is 20. From another point P north east of the pole, the angle of elevation o

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: An electric pole is 15m high. From a point Q, due south of the pole, the angle of elevation of the pole is 20. From another point P north east of the pole, the angle of elevation o      Log On


   

Question 1183414: An electric pole is 15m high. From a point Q, due south of the pole, the angle of elevation of the pole is 20. From another point P north east of the pole, the angle of elevation of the top of the pole is 30. Calculate correct to three significant figures, the distance between P and Q.
Answer by ikleyn(52810) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Based on given data, calculate the distance of point Q from the pole  a = 15%2Ftan%2820%5E0%29  meters.

Next calculate the distance of point P from the pole  b = 15%2Ftan%2830%5E0%29  meters.


Now you have an obtuse triangle with the sides "a" and "b" and the obtuse angle of 135 degrees between them.


The final step is to apply the cosine law and to find the length of the third side of the triangle.